HESTA unveils new strategic planning head

AIA veteran Alissa Knight will rejoin HESTA in a newly created senior role supporting the super fund’s strategic planning initiatives.

Knight joins HESTA from legalsuper, where she headed up the office of the chief executive and strategy as part of a six-month contract role.

Announcing the appointment today, HESTA recognised Knight’s extensive background in strategy, including her most recent role at AIA – where she served a total of 16 years in various senior functions – as general manager of strategy and CEO office.

Knight is not new to HESTA, having previously worked with the super fund in contract roles.

She began her career in the legal space more than 20 years ago, joining Australian law firm MinterEllison as a solicitor.

HESTA chief executive Debby Blakey said the super fund was “thrilled to welcome [Knight] back to HESTA in this pivotal role”.

“Her proven track record in strategy execution roles and her previous contract work with HESTA position her well to drive positive outcomes for members,” Blakey said.

HESTA’s chief strategy officer Sam Harris added that Knight’s leadership and strategy execution experience “will be instrumental in further solidifying HESTA’s position as a leading industry fund”, noting the importance of enhancing HESTA’s strategic planning processes.